Activist lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, has said Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State’s withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress, APC, primary election is not a positive development for Nigeria’s democracy.
Idam said Fubara’s withdrawal shows that tyranny and dictatorship has enveloped democracy in Rivers State.
Following Fubara’s withdrawal from the primaries, Kingsley Chinda had emerged as the APC’s governorship candidate.
However, in a statement he signed, Idam said: “Fubara’s frustrated withdrawal from the APC primaries is not a positive democratic development; rather, it suggests that tyranny and dictatorship may be increasingly enveloping democracy in Rivers State.
“However, I am least concerned about Fubara and his fragile political ambition, as he must not assume entitlement to a second term as Governor of Rivers State, since public office is not a hereditary stool.
“At the same time, while no leader should cling to power indefinitely, no individual should be coerced or bullied into abandoning their constitutional right to contest elections for any position.
“Society must be cautious not to elevate individuals through uncritical or excessive loyalty, as such individuals often turn around to undermine the constitutionally guaranteed freedoms that enabled their rise.
“If society is to serve the interests of all, political hegemony must be resisted at all costs. Otherwise, we may soon find ourselves needing permission from certain personalities to live as free individuals.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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